Phenelzine

Filed under: Anti Depressant Medication

Displayed: Phenelzine Nardil 15mg

Phenelzine is a psychoactive drug used widely as an antidepressant and anxiolytic / anti-panic agent. It is a member of the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) class of drugs.

Phenelzine and the other MAOIs are typically considered to be significantly more effective against depression and anxiety in comparison to more mainstream antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but they are usually reserved only as a last resort due to their prominent side effects and potentially hazardous food and drug interactions. These particular drugs lift moodiness, improve appetite and sleep, restoring interest in everyday activities. This drug is mostly used to relieve depression, especially when accompanied by irrational fears (phobias) or exaggerated emotional reactions. The problem with this drug is its risk of dangerous interactions with a wide range of other drugs and many foods. It would normally be given only if all other antidepressants have failed to make a response with the patient. people on Phenelzine should carry a warning card at all times.

While phenelzine is recognised treatment for major depressive disorder it has also been found in studies to be effective in treating bipolar depression (BD), bulimia, social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), dysthymia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant with danger of overdose HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – HIGH.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – NO. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol and red wine Avoidance – YES.
• Do not drink alcohol or low alcohol drinks while you are being treated with phenelzine.

Side Effects

You may if phenelzine has been prescribed for you suffer one or more of these side effects in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: May include Blurred Vision, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, headache, hepatitis, Dry Mouth, Fainting.
Rare: Difficulty Passing Water, hypomania/mania, psychosis, and acute liver failure, Rash.

It is possible for phenelzine to cause a range of unwanted side effects. If you experience severe headache, nausea and/or vomiting, unexplained sweating you need to seek medical help immediately. The mentioned symptoms could be a sign of your blood pressure rising.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using phenelzine It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

No problems would be expected. Stopping this drug suddenly after prolonged use may cause withdrawal symptoms as well as a possible recurrence of the initial problems. Those taking phenelizine should take care to avoid interactions with certain foods and other drugs.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There is a possibility of this drug causing blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness and a loss in concentration it would be advisable to refrain from these activeties until you know how phenelzine affects you. Alcohol should be avoided, also avoid heavy red wines as there is a possibility of a dangerous reaction ocurring.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Phenelzine has not been established as being safe in pregnancy. The drug passes into the breast milk. However at normal doses it would be unlikely to have harmful effects on the baby. Discuss both of these issues with your doctor.

Phenelzine is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

If you are to undergo anesthetics phenelzine would need to be with-drawn at least a fortnight before hand, this would also apply to some dental procedure’s. Consult your doctor or dentist.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative preparations.

Over 60’s & Children

There is a likelihood of adverse reactions if prescribed for the over sixties this drug could be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. Phenelzine would not be recommended for infants or children.

Overdose

You should seek immediate medical advice in all cases of overdose. Symptoms could be delayed for many hours. These may include sweating, fever and rigid muscles. If collapse or breathing difficulties occur take emergency action or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Other Medication Reactions

Phenelzine interacts with over the counter medicines and a large number of prescription drugs as well as some foods stuff. Serotonin syndrome may result from an interaction with certain drugs including: sibutramine, tramadol, triptans for migraine, eg sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, tryptophan which increase serotonin activity. Phenelzine may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of medicines used to treat high blood pressure (antihypertensives). You should never take any form of medication without first seeking your doctor or pharmacist advice. Interactions with food do not diminish with time.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking your medication without consulting with your doctor. It is possible that symptoms will recur.

Effect Of Medication

The onset of effects for this drug would be in 1 to 4 weeks. The duration time could be up to 14 days after treatment has begun or discontinued.

Storage and Safety

• Keep phenelzine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take phenelzine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If phenelzine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.